Before we stray too far away from 2013, let’s take a moment to reflect on the local entertainment scene from the last 12 months.

Unlike in years past, when bar closings were the norm, new entertainment facilities opened, an intriguing business rivalry popped up and an unexpected local singer emerged as a potential star on a nationally televised show.

Here’s a look at the top stories of 2013 from Macomb’s entertainment scene:

n Freedom Hill Returns: A powerhouse team of Andiamo restaurateur Joe Vicari and businessman Tom Celani, along with longtime promoters Kevin Cassidy and Joe Nieporte, revived the 7,200-seat amphitheater in Sterling Heights following a three-year shutdown. With a $2 million renovation, the team brought big-name entertainers back to Macomb County, such as Lady Antebellum, Huey Lewis & the News and Travis Tritt, along with the Stars & Stripes Festival.

Advertisement

n Macomb Music Theatre Debuts: The former Emerald Theatre in downtown Mount Clemens re-opened following a $2 million roof-to-basement overhaul thanks to nightclub impresario Wally Mona and entertainment lawyer Marc Beginin. The historic former vaudeville venue had closed after an 11-year run that helped revive the city’s downtown in the 2000s. Jazz artist Gerald Albright was the first new act to perform there, followed by Aries Spears, Howie Mandel, Michael Bolton and others. Beginin and Mona hope to make more improvement in the coming year.

n Jeff Gutt (Almost) Makes It: Marine City native Jeff Gutt didn’t make it in 2012 on Fox TV’s “The X Factor” singing competition but came roaring back this season. The 37-year-old father of one — who has been performing in area bars for years — gained scores of new fans on the show but came in second place. Still, those who know the guy say he’s truly one of the most down-to-earth, likable people you’ll ever meet, so hopefully he’ll do more good things in the music world as he begins to record and tour in 2014.

n Hangover 2 vs. Dooleys: In one of the most interesting business stories of the year, the owner of a neighborhood bar decided to go up against one of the area’s power establishments. Pino Lentini not only opened Hangover 2 in the same Roseville parking lot on Gratiot Avenue as Dooleys Irish Tavern, he also hired some of Dooleys king Frank Sgroi’s former workers. But Sgroi, always at the top of his game, welcomed the competition as the renewed interest in the area brought out more visitors as both venues are prospering.

n Three Blind Mice Opens: Bad Brad’s BBQ founder Brad Teagan took months and months to achieve what he calls a “really warm, comfortable 5-star dive bar with an Irish theme.” While warm and comfortable, the two-story pub is hardly a dive. With more than 140 whiskeys and bourbons, 250 beer selections in bottles and 20 drafts, Mice also has a menu of tasty Irish dishes. With live entertainment seven nights a week, Three Blind Mice has brought people back to downtown Mount Clemens and may encourage further development.

n Nautical Mile Changes: Tin Fish opened on Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores on the property that had housed Beach Grill for 15 years. The longtime area restaurant/nightclub opened to mixed reviews but seems to have found its sea legs. Meanwhile, the Tin Fish at Partridge Creek is still open despite a summer of money woes, while the Novi location closed unexpectedly. Also, Captain Jack’s opened in the former Rojo, offering American food “with a twist” in the Shores.

n Diesel Lounge Rocks: Longtime Detroit entertainment figures Mike Mitchell and Joe Sgroi teamed up to launch Diesel Concert Lounge in Chesterfield Township. The facility has two separate stages along with state-of-the-art sound and light systems that can house smaller local shows or national bands. Mitchell formerly ran the Emerald and Hayloft and is bringing rock, funk and rap acts to the Diesel.